How old is the softener? Also, how do you plan on sanitizing it?

Going by the recharge count, it was maybe used for a couple of years before we bought the house. It has been dormant for 5 years. We'll sanitize it by following the instructions on page 1-5 of the manual.

Thanks!

Ok, so here's the thing: Water softener resin lasts about 10-15 years. It's also damaged by chlorine (as in the bleach in the sanitizing process).

It may work fine - I don't know. I don't think much of the unit in the first place, and given the age and such I'd be much more inclined to replace it with a new unit. You can get a Fleck valve based unit on Amazon for about $500-550.

Thanks for the thoughts.

I must say that I'm tempted to install a new system. I see this one on Amazon - why do you recommend a Fleck-based unit?

There two best control valves are Fleck and Clack. Clack doesn't sell their stuff on the internet.

The Fleck 5600SXT is a great valve.

You do need to size it properly and you need to set it properly. You have to start by getting a test kit to know how hard your water is.

Get a Hach 145300 test kit

Already ordered a Hach test kit earlier today! You (and other comments I've read elsewhere) convinced me - I've gone ahead and ordered a Fleck 5600SXT-based system to replace the Kenmore.

Thanks for the recommendation!

ummm, what size softener did you buy?

We already know we have very hard water - we're on ground water in the San Jose, CA area: https://www.sjwater.com/sites/default/files/2019-04/CCR-2018.pdf

The existing unit was set for 330 ppm (~19 grains), higher than the average value of hardness in the water company's report. We'll use the test kit to fine-tune the settings.

We ordered this one which basically matches the old softener's capability: AFWFilters 5600SXT Water Softener, 48k, Black, Bypass with 3/4" Connection:

• Resin volume: new: 1.5 cu ft old: 1.25
• Softening capacity: new 48k grains, old 45k